Church of the Nazarene

In Memoriam: 11 July 2025

dlsperry94 — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 21:18:12 +0000

In Memoriam: 11 July 2025

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/10/2025 - 21:18

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received from 7-11 July 2025.

V. Muzette Byars, , of Smyrna, Tennessee, passed away 6 July 2025. She was the widow of D. W. Thaxton, a former district superintendent led the South Carolina District from 1952-1958, and the Houston District (Now South Texas District) from 1977 until his death in 1987. He served as a minister in West Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, and Texas. Muzette was also preceded in death by her second husband, Hobson Byars, who passed away in 2004.

Norma Spear, 92, of Cane Ridge, Tennessee, passed away 28 June 2025. She was the widow of Robert Spear a retired district superintendent who led the Southern Florida District from 1973 until he died in 1994. He served as a minister in Florida. Norma is also the widow of E. Jasper White, a minister who served in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Florida. Jasper passed away in 1989.

To view past editions of In Memoriam, click here.

Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Flags of the Nations: Barbados

dlsperry94 — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 21:06:49 +0000

Flags of the Nations: Barbados

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/10/2025 - 21:06

Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.

This week: Barbados

The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Barbados in 1926.

Barbados had a population of 304,139 in 2024. That same year, Barbados reported 33 Churches of the Nazarene, all of which had been officially organized. Barbados has 4,801 total members.

Barbados has one Phase 3 district on the Mesoamerica Region.

For more information about the Mesoamerica Region, visit mesoamericaregion.org.

* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.

The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.

Mesoamerica Region 40 days of prayer culminates on Pentecost

dlsperry94 — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 19:45:35 +0000

Mesoamerica Region 40 days of prayer culminates on Pentecost

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/10/2025 - 19:45

The Mesoamerica Region has observed a period of spiritual preparation leading up to Pentecost Sunday, known as the 40 Days of Prayer, since 2004. What began in the former MAC Region has become an annual gathering that continues to transform lives.

Over the years, hundreds of Nazarenes from across the region have fervently joined this spiritual journey, seeking to deepen their prayer life and open themselves to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and 2025 was no exception.

This year's prayer themes were worship, fellowship, discipleship (being like Jesus), ministry, and evangelism. The daily guides were shared through the Mesoamerica Region's social media channels, resulting in a total of 2,753 downloads —a clear demonstration of interest and active participation in this initiative.

"Hundreds of local churches, entire districts, and zones throughout the region joined in this special time of prayer, culminating in united celebrations on the Day of Pentecost," said Ana María Crocker, NMI coordinator for Mesoamerica.

During the final celebrations, the churches gathered to pray, worship, share Communion, listen to the Word of God, and witness to the movement of the Holy Spirit among their congregations.

In the Southern Border District of Mexico, more than 1,400 people gathered at the district camp to close out the event. Missionaries Ana Zoila and Wilfredo Marciaga, touring the region, shared God's message.

Sister Shadia Franco, district NMI president, highlighted how God miraculously provided food for more than 2,000 attendees, despite having only prepared food for 1,400. "It was a powerful experience, both because of the missionaries' visit and because of the way God met our needs," she stated.

The Costa Rica Central District's Pentecost celebration was held at the Nazarene Seminary of the Americas (SENDAS) facilities, with some 725 participants, including 125 children who attended a special children's worship service. Carlos de la Cruz, strategy coordinator for the Central Mesoamerica Field, shared a message.

The Mexico City Eastern District held its closing celebration virtually, with 85 people connecting to pray, worship, and receive the Word.

In the Windward Virgin Islands, believers held a prayer walk, thanking God and sharing their testimonies with those they encountered, inviting them to know Jesus as their Savior.

The El Progreso Church of the Nazarene in Panama visited 26 homes and held fellowship sessions during the 40 days of prayer. They also raised a special offering for the World Evangelism Fund (WEF).

"Many lives were transformed and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and they committed themselves to spreading the message of salvation," concluded Ana María Crocker. "We can only give thanks to the thousands of Nazarenes who joined this powerful time of prayer, praying to God to heal our land."

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica

Liberia youth serve community through road clean-up

dlsperry94 — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 19:36:00 +0000

Liberia youth serve community through road clean-up

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/10/2025 - 19:36

After a month-long missions focus, the youth of the Soul Clinic Church of the Nazarene in the Soul Clinic community, near Monrovia, Liberia, gathered on 28 June 2025, to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their neighbourhood.

This idea was born out of discussions in the youth Bible study about "The Missionary Heart of God." One youth said, "Let's not just talk about missions—let's do one!"

The community has suffered in recent years from the deterioration of its infrastructure, but the missions month focused on practical missions outreach, entitled: "Love in Action: Community Road Clean-up." The goal was to transition from merely teaching to actively serving and demonstrating to their community the heart of God.

With prayer and planning, the team identified a need in the church backyard: the blocked community road. The young people boldly organised tools, mobilised youth, informed community leaders, and joyfully cleared the bush and levelled the path, turning a once-avoided area into a usable road. With no outside funding or assistance, the local church and youth did all the work themselves.

The idea was born out of a deep desire to live out the gospel in a practical way. Aiming to restore dignity to the community by rebuilding the abandoned road, the youth wanted to inspire hope, reflect Christ, and engage everyone involved through humble, hands-on service in missions.

The community was overwhelmed with joy. Many stopped to ask, "What kind of people are you?" This simple question allowed the youth to share: "We are followers of Christ, and this is how we love our neighbours."

They didn't just clean a road; they opened hearts. Many community members have since expressed a desire to visit the church and learn more about the "Jesus' kind of love."

The participants found the experience life-changing and want to plan more community-based missions.

--Church of the Nazarene Africa

NDI announces global children's discipleship initiative

dlsperry94 — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:58:36 +0000

NDI announces global children's discipleship initiative

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/10/2025 - 18:58

Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) announced on Monday, 7 July 2025, that the Church of the Nazarene is launching a significant global effort to prioritize the discipleship of children.

Led by NDI, this initiative is designed to address a critical gap in fulfilling the mission to reach and disciple children across all six world regions. As a step in this initiative, Trey and Candice Brooks of Equip to Engage, Inc., have been appointed to serve as the denomination's first global child discipleship advocates.

In their new role, Trey and Candice will work closely with leaders around the world to form a global child discipleship council, spearhead international children's initiatives, and equip local churches and districts to deepen their impact on children and families.

"Children are an integral part of the Body of Christ," Candice said, "and should be represented globally."

This effort reflects a growing commitment within the Church of the Nazarene to live out the values expressed in its manual:

"…the Church of the Nazarene acknowledges that children are important to God and a priority in His kingdom. We believe God directed us to attend to all children—to love, nurture, protect, uphold, guide, and advocate for them" (paragraph 922).

The Global Child Discipleship advocate position represents the first of its kind since the establishment of the international director of children's ministries role, a role in which Miriam Hall, Lynda Boardman, and Leslie Hart all served between 1976 and 2011.

Trey hopes that the creation of a global child discipleship council can help facilitate greater global collaboration in child discipleship.

"We believe child discipleship is happening in Africa that will help in South America, and there is child discipleship happening in Mesoamerica that will help in Eurasia, and child discipleship happening in Asia-Pacific that can help in USA/Canada," Trey said. "Now, the approaches might have to be tweaked; they might have to be changed a bit and contextualized. But, collectively, if discipleship of each child is our goal, then we can learn from one another about the ministries we're doing as a global church to accomplish that."

Trey and Candice also serve as the USA/Canada Region child discipleship advocates. They have led discipleship efforts at major denominational events, including GA Kids at the 30th General Assembly and Conventions. Through Equip to Engage, they provide training, resources, and encouragement to child discipleship leaders.

Trey holds degrees from Southern Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological Seminary and is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene. Candice holds a degree in elementary education from Southern Nazarene University and is a licensed teacher and certified story trainer through Tell the Story. Together, they are passionate about seeing every child grow as a faithful follower of Jesus.

For more information or to connect with Trey and Candice, contact: kids@nazarene.org.

Julie Cheney appointed superintendent of Anaheim District

dlsperry94 — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 19:14:57 +0000

Julie Cheney appointed superintendent of Anaheim District

dlsperry94 Tue, 07/08/2025 - 19:14

Julie Cheney was appointed superintendent of the Anaheim District on 7 July 2025. She currently serves as district secretary of the Central California District and has pastored Tulare Church of the Nazarene since 2020.

The appointment was made by General Superintendent Christian Sarmiento, in consultation with the Anaheim District advisory committee and the Board of General Superintendents.

"Jim and I look forward to working with the good people of the Anaheim District. We never expected to return to Southern California but prayerfully anticipate partnering with each local church to strengthen the work and move of the Holy Spirit among Nazarenes."

Cheney's appointment is effective 26 July 2025, and continues through the 2028 Anaheim District Assembly. She follows Rollie Miller, who has led the Anaheim District since 2011.

Cheney holds a bachelor's degree from Fresno Pacific University, a master's from Trevecca Nazarene, and a doctorate from Columbia International University. She has served as a pastor since 2000.

From 2000 to 2020, Cheney served at Porterville Church of the Nazarene in California. During that time, she served as the president of the Central California District NDI from 2010 to 2020. In January 2020, she became the secretary of the Central California District, and later that year, she became the lead pastor of Tulare Church of the Nazarene.
Julie and her husband, Jim, have been married for over 40 years and have two sons, Matthew and Scott.

South America Region launches CONECTA translation training

dlsperry94 — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 19:21:24 +0000

South America Region launches CONECTA translation training

dlsperry94 Mon, 07/07/2025 - 19:21

Recently, the South America Region launched the CONECTA project to prepare bilingual volunteers to serve in ministerial contexts within the Church of the Nazarene.

This program trains interpreters to serve in their local churches at events and worship services, and at the AME25 Regional Conference, scheduled for October 2025. The training will focus on biblical terminology, Wesleyan doctrine, and the Nazarene language and terminology.

This project addresses a specific need in the region: the high demand for qualified interpreters and translators. It also seeks specific preparation for language services during the AME25 Regional Conference.

The project's vision is to become a center of excellence in the region for training Nazarene interpreters and translators and to promote educational and evangelistic projects in various languages.

The project team is comprised of Caroline de Araujo Neves, coordinator and jurisdictional secretary for the South America Region; Angela Domroes, a professional interpreter certified by the Supreme Court of Virginia (U.S.), and a sponsored missionary in Curaçao. The project is strategically supported by the South American Communications Ministry.

Twenty-two people from diverse backgrounds and professions participated in this first phase of training, including pastors, missionaries, doctors, dentists, English teachers, and other professionals. The training is delivered through five virtual sessions each month, which focus on practical experience and direct interaction.

The project's name, CONECTA, expresses the essence of the interpreting ministry: connect people, messages, cultures, and hearts through language. Interpreting is not just about translating words but also about facilitating encounters, conveying visions, and promoting unity amid diversity. Under this vision, the acrostic CONECTA guides the participants' formation, integrating calling, spiritual growth, and missions:

Connect people to Christ (John 15:5)
Obey His voice (John 10:27)
Nurture fellowship and understanding (Nehemiah 8:8)
Faithfully express the message received (1 Corinthians 14:9)
Clarify the message for the listener in their language (Exodus 4:14-16)
Translate with excellence and reverence (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Accompany the message with the attitude of a servant (Mark 10:45)

After the first class, participants' testimonials reflect the project's positive impact. Betania Conce, from Chile, expressed: "I am extremely grateful for your support and leadership in this beautiful meeting. It was a blessing to participate. The pastor's tips encouraged me to keep practicing!"

--Church of the Nazarene South America

Todd Garrett named MNU vice president of University Advancement and Athletics

dlsperry94 — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 19:28:00 +0000

Todd Garrett named MNU vice president of University Advancement and Athletics

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/03/2025 - 19:28

MidAmerica Nazarene University President Jon North announced on 1 July 2025, the appointment of G. Todd Garrett as vice president for University Advancement and Athletics, effective immediately. Garrett has served as the director of athletics at MNU since 2017.

"This appointment brings together two critical areas of our university operations under a person with proven leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and exceptional performance," North said. "Todd has served MNU with distinction for nearly three decades, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our Christian mission and remarkable success across multiple roles."

Garrett's history with MNU began as a student majoring in physical education and health education. He played catcher for the Pioneer baseball team and graduated in 1994. Embarking on a career as an educator at the Olathe School District in 1995, he taught physical education and health classes. He served as an assistant baseball coach at Olathe South High School. In 1998, Garrett returned to MNU as the head baseball coach, a position he held until 2006, when he joined the University Advancement team as director of athletic development.

Garrett's career advanced through fundraising roles—first as Pioneer Athletic Association director, then director of development & corporate partnerships—before becoming director of athletics in January 2017, overseeing both fundraising and athletic administration.

"Todd's experience uniquely positions him for this expanded role," North said. "He has played a significant role in the success of the Bright Futures Campaign, raising millions for both the Cunningham Center and Copeland Athletic Complex projects at MNU. He is an exceptionally gifted fundraiser who is highly regarded throughout the community."

"It is an extreme honor to accept this role under the leadership of Dr. North as he begins implementing an exciting vision for MNU's future," Garrett said. "It has been my privilege to serve with an amazing group of servant leaders, coaches, and directors over the past eight years in Pioneer Athletics as they have diligently invested in our young people through intercollegiate athletics. The commitment to excellence that I have witnessed from some of the most talented coaches and directors in the industry has been inspiring."

Garrett's leadership of MNU athletics programs has been highly successful and recognized in the athletic community. His multiple accolades include:

MNU Administrator of the Year, 2022
MNU Athletic Department Pioneer Pride Award, 2022
HEART Conference Commissioner's Cup Champions, 2023-24 (first-ever for MNU)
HEART Conference Athletic Director of the Year, 2023-24
HEART Conference Commissioner's Cup Champions, 2024-25

During Garrett’s tenure, MNU athletic department achieved national championships, developed numerous all-American athletes, earned scholar-athlete recognitions, and secured multiple conference titles.

Equally important to Garrett is the mission of shaping men and women of character in a Christ-centered environment.

President North reiterated the uniqueness of Garrett's expertise relative to the vice president position.

"With Todd's athletic leadership, our programs have reached unprecedented heights of success. He has led our student athlete enrollment growth, culminating in an 80 percent increase since 2017. His extensive experience in development and corporate partnerships, coupled with his proven ability to build relationships and generate philanthropic support, makes him ideally suited to lead both advancement and athletics."

Todd and his wife, Karen Garrett, have two adult children who are MNU alumni. The Garretts live in Gardner, Kansas, and attend Life Church of Overland Park, Kansas.

Moving Ministers: June 2025

dlsperry94 — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:57:21 +0000

Moving Ministers: June 2025

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/03/2025 - 18:57

Compiled by the General Secretary's Office from district reports, Moving Ministers is a monthly listing of Nazarene ministers in new assignments on the USA/Canada Region.

Roles included in the latest report are pastor, student, and pastoral service. Entries were received in June 2025.
To view the June report, click here.

For previous reports, see usacanadanazarene.org.

In Memoriam: 4 July 2025

dlsperry94 — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:49:48 +0000

In Memoriam: 4 July 2025

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/03/2025 - 18:49

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received from 30 June - 4 July 2025.

Barbara Brock, 78, of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away 23 June 2025. She was the widow of Wayne Brock a retired minister who served in Indiana and Illinois. Wayne passed away in 2011.

Clifford Church, 88, of Newark, Ohio, passed away 24 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Church.

Howard Kelly, 88, of Richmond, Kentucky, passed away 30 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Kentucky. He was precded in death by his wife, Alma Kelly, who passed away in 2020.

Vera Rushford-Biddle, 101, of San Bernardino, California, passed away 15 June 2025. She was the widow of Gilbert Rushford, a retired minister who served in Texas and California. Gilbert passed away in 1993. Vera was preceded in death by her second husband, James Biddle, who passed away in 2019.

Dale Van Meter, 96, of Thayer, Kansas, passed away 27 June 2025. Dale was a retired minister who served in Missouri. He was preceded in death by his wife, Iris, who passed away in 2021.

Robert Williams, 94, of Duncanville, Texas, passed away 29 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lenora Williams, who passed away in 2021.

To view past editions of In Memoriam, click here.

--Compiled by Nazarene News